U.S. patent application number 11/493293 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for post-processing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kyocera Mita Corporation. Invention is credited to Takeshi Matsuo, Masahiko Miyazaki.
Application Number | 20070024000 11/493293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37673078 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070024000 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miyazaki; Masahiko ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Post-processing apparatus
Abstract
A post-processing apparatus is for applying a specified
post-processing to sheets supplied from an image forming apparatus
and includes an apparatus main body, a first tray disposed in the
apparatus main body for applying the specified post-processing to a
bunch of sheets formed by storing a specified number of sheets
supplied from the image forming apparatus one over another and then
discharging the processed bunch of sheets, and a second tray
disposed in the apparatus main body for directing the sheets
supplied from the image forming apparatus toward the first tray
after detouring the sheets. The first and second trays are
integrally insertable into and withdrawable from the apparatus main
body.
Inventors: |
Miyazaki; Masahiko;
(Osaka-shi, JP) ; Matsuo; Takeshi; (Osaka-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CASELLA & HESPOS
274 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10016
US
|
Assignee: |
Kyocera Mita Corporation
Osaka-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
37673078 |
Appl. No.: |
11/493293 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2601/11 20130101;
B65H 2405/32 20130101; B42C 1/12 20130101; B65H 2402/32 20130101;
B65H 2801/27 20130101; B65H 2405/33 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/293 |
International
Class: |
B65H 39/10 20060101
B65H039/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 26, 2005 |
JP |
2005-215872 |
Claims
1. A post-processing apparatus for applying a specified
post-processing to sheets supplied from an image forming apparatus,
comprising: an apparatus main body, a first tray disposed in the
apparatus main body for applying the specified post-processing to a
bunch of sheets formed by storing a specified number of sheets
supplied from the image forming apparatus one over another, and
then discharging the processed bunch of sheets, and a second tray
disposed in the apparatus main body for directing the sheets
supplied from the image forming apparatus toward the first tray
after detouring the sheets, the first and second trays being
integrally insertable into and withdrawable from the apparatus main
body.
2. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second tray is openable and closable relative to the first tray in
a state withdrawn from the apparatus main body.
3. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second tray temporarily stores a specified number of sheets
supplied from the image forming apparatus before directing the
sheets toward the first tray, and conveys a specified number of
sheets temporarily stored in the second tray in a superimposed
state toward the first tray after a preceding bunch of sheets
having the post-processing completed therefor is discharged from
the first tray.
4. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
specified post-processing is stapling for binding the bunch of
sheets by means of a staple.
5. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a staple tray for applying stapling to bind the bunch
of sheets by means of a staple, the staple tray including: a
stapler, an intermediate tray serving as the first tray, a detour
tray serving as the second tray and mounted on the intermediate
tray in such a manner as to extend along a sheet storing surface of
the intermediate tray, and a directing guide for guiding the sheet
supplied from the image forming apparatus to either the
intermediate tray or the detour tray.
6. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: the
intermediate tray includes a pair of frame plates and an
intermediate-tray main body obliquely extending between these frame
plates, the detour tray includes a detour-tray main body opposed to
the intermediate-tray main body and a cover plate opposed to the
upper surface of the detour-tray main body, a storage space for
storing the sheets is defined between the intermediate-tray main
body and the detour-tray main body, a standby space for keeping the
sheets on standby is defined between the detour-tray main body and
the cover plate, and the directing guide guides the sheet either to
the storage space or to the standby space.
7. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
detour tray has a bottom end portion thereof coupled to the
intermediate tray rotatably in forward and reverse directions by
means of a coupling shaft and is shiftable between a closing
posture to close the intermediate-tray main body and an opening
posture to open the intermediate-tray main body.
8. A post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising: a fixed rail provided on the inner surface of a side
plate forming the apparatus main body, a movable rail provided on
the intermediate tray and opposed to the fixed rail, and a retainer
disposed between the fixed rail and the movable rail.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus
for applying a specified post-processing to sheets fed from an
image forming apparatus such as a copier, a facsimile apparatus or
a printer.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There have been known post-processing apparatuses as
disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
2002-128382. This post-processing apparatus is for applying
punching to perforate binding holes in sheets fed from an image
forming apparatus, and stapling to bind a stored bundle of sheets.
Such a post-processing apparatus has a punching machine, a staple
tray, a standby drum and a switching guide built in an apparatus
main body. The punching machine is disposed at an intermediate
position on a receiving conveyance path for receiving a sheet from
the image forming apparatus to apply punching to the sheet. The
staple tray is disposed below the receiving conveyance path to form
a bundle of sheets by temporarily storing the sheets fed from a
downstream end of the receiving conveyance path and to apply
stapling to this bundle of sheets. The standby drum is disposed
above the downstream end of the receiving conveyance path to
temporarily store sheets to constitute a next bundle of sheets
while stapling is applied to the previous bundle of sheets on the
staple tray. This standby drum stores sheets on its outer
circumferential surface. The switching guide is disposed at the
downstream end of the receiving conveyance path to switch a
conveyance end of the sheet between the staple tray and the standby
drum.
[0005] The standby drum is disposed at such a position as to enable
an operation of temporarily storing the next sheets while the
previous bunch of sheets is temporarily stored on the staple tray
to be stapled, and supplying the sheets kept on standby to the
staple tray after the previous bunch of sheets was discharged after
the completion of stapling. This operation enables conveyance
intervals of the sheets fed from the image forming apparatus to be
kept constant, thereby making the image forming operation including
the post-processing more efficient.
[0006] The staple tray is comprised of a lower tray obliquely
disposed in the apparatus main body and an upper tray disposed to
face the upper surface of the lower tray. A storage space for
storing the sheets is defined between these upper and lower trays.
Stapling is applied to the bunch of sheets stored in this storage
space by means of a stapler, and the thus obtained bound bunch of
sheets is discharged from the storage space toward a discharge tray
located outside.
[0007] In order to easily solve a problem of a paper jam during the
stapling, the staple tray is made withdrawal from the apparatus
main body in a sheet-width direction normal to a sheet conveying
direction. The upper tray in a withdrawn state is pivotal about a
specified position at the bottom end of the lower tray to open up
the clearance. Accordingly, when a paper jam occurs, an operator
can expose a jammed position to the outside by opening the upper
tray, wherefore the paper jam can be easily solved.
[0008] In the post-processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-128382, the standby drum for
temporarily keeping the sheets on standby is disposed above the
receiving conveyance path. In order to temporarily store the sheets
by letting the sheets wind around the outer circumferential surface
of the standby drum, a considerably large diameter needs to be set
for the standby drum. If such a standby drum is disposed at an
upper part of the apparatus main body, there arises a problem of
increasing the height of the apparatus main body and hindering the
post-processing apparatus from being made smaller.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a
post-processing apparatus provided with a function of temporarily
keeping sheets on standby and enabling an operator to easily solve
a paper jam problem while enabling an apparatus main body to be
made smaller.
[0010] In order to accomplish the above object, the present
invention is directed to a post-processing apparatus for applying a
specified post-processing to sheets supplied from an image forming
apparatus, comprising: an apparatus main body, a first tray
disposed in the apparatus main body for applying the specified
post-processing to bunch of sheets formed by storing a specified
number of sheets supplied from the image forming apparatus one over
another, and then discharging the processed bunch of sheets, and a
second tray disposed in the apparatus main body for directing the
sheets supplied from the image forming apparatus toward the first
tray after detouring the sheets, the first and second trays being
integrally insertable into and withdrawable from the apparatus main
body.
[0011] With this construction, the apparatus main body can be made
smaller as compared to a post-processing apparatus in which a
conventional standby drum is disposed at a position above the first
tray. Further, since the first and second trays are integrally
insertable into and withdrawable from the apparatus main body, both
trays can be integrally withdrawn by withdrawing either one of the
first and second trays from the apparatus main body upon an
occurrence of a paper jam in the first or second tray. Thus, as
compared to a case where the first and second trays are
individually withdrawn, the respective trays can be more easily
withdrawn.
[0012] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent upon a reading of
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance
of one embodiment of a post-processing apparatus according to the
invention in a state where a staple tray is accommodated in an
apparatus main body.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance
of the embodiment of the post-processing apparatus according to the
invention in a state where the staple tray is withdrawn from an
apparatus main body.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance
of the embodiment of the post-processing apparatus according to the
invention in a state where a detour tray of the staple tray
withdrawn from the apparatus main body is opened.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view in section showing one embodiment of
the internal construction of the post-processing apparatus
according to the invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing a
schematic construction of the staple tray.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a
pressing member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention is
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] First, the external appearance of a post-processing
apparatus 10 according to the present invention is described. FIGS.
1 to 3 are perspective views showing one embodiment of the
post-processing apparatus according to the present invention,
wherein FIG. 1 shows a state where a staple tray is accommodated in
an apparatus main body, FIG. 2 shows a state where the staple tray
is withdrawn from the apparatus main body and FIG. 3 shows a state
where a detour tray of the staple tray withdrawn from the apparatus
main body is opened. It should be noted that, in FIGS. 1 to 3, X-X
directions are referred to as transverse directions and Y-Y
directions are referred to as forward and backward directions,
particularly -X direction being leftward direction, +X direction
being right ward direction, -Y direction being forward direction
and +Y direction being backward direction.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the post-processing apparatus 10
has a box-shaped external appearance and is in the form of a
rectangular parallelepiped by including a front plate 111 standing
from the front edge of an unillustrated bottom plate, a right plate
member 112 standing from the right edge of the bottom plate, an
unillustrated rear plate standing from the rear edge of edge of the
bottom plate, an unillustrated left plate standing from the left
edge of the bottom plate, and a ceiling plate member 113 disposed
to cover the upper edges of the front plate 111, the right plate
member 112, the left plate and the rear plate.
[0022] The height of the front plate 111 from the bottom plate is
set to be substantially 1/3of the height of the post-processing
apparatus 10. An accommodation space V for accommodating a staple
tray 20 is defined above the front plate 111, and a front door 121
for opening and closing this accommodation space V is provided.
FIGS. 1 to 3 show a state where the front door 121 is opened.
[0023] A sheet receiving opening 13 for receiving a sheet P (see
FIG. 4) fed from an image forming apparatus 19 is defined above the
right plate member 112. The post-processing apparatus 10 applies
punching for perforating binding holes in the sheet P introduced
into the post-processing apparatus 10 through this sheet receiving
opening 13, stapling for binding a bunch of sheets P1 (see FIG. 4)
and the like.
[0024] A main tray 14 is disposed on the left surface of the
post-processing apparatus 10, and an auxiliary tray 15 is disposed
at the left side of the ceiling plate member 113. The main tray 14
is for receiving the stapled bunch of sheets P1 (see FIG. 4) and is
movable upward and downward by being driven by means of specified
elevating means. As more bunches of sheets P sheets P are
discharged, the main tray 14 is successively lowered from an
uppermost position. Contrary to this, the auxiliary tray 15 is for
receiving sheets discharged without particularly having any
post-processing applied thereto or those having only binding holes
punched.
[0025] A punch unit 16 for perforating binding holes in the sheet P
is so disposed at a position above an entrance conveyance path R1
at an upper right side in the post-processing apparatus 10 as to
face the entrance conveyance path R1. An upper frame plate 114
supporting various rollers is so disposed at the left side of this
punch unit 16 as to face the front opening of the accommodation
space V. Below this upper frame plate 114 and at the left side in
the post-processing apparatus 10, a triangular frame plate 115
having a substantially triangular shape is disposed to face the
front opening of the accommodation space V. The hypotenuse of this
triangular frame plate 115 is inclined down from an upper left side
toward the right side in the post-processing apparatus 10.
[0026] The staple tray 20 applies stapling to the formed bunch of
sheets P1 by means of a staple after temporarily storing a
specified number of sheets fed from the image forming apparatus 19.
The staple tray 20 is comprised of an intermediate tray (first
tray) 30 obliquely disposed immediately at the right side of the
triangular frame plate 115 and a detour tray (second tray) 40
attached to the intermediate tray 30 in such a manner as to as to
extend along an oblique surface of the intermediate tray 30 at the
right side.
[0027] The intermediate tray 30 includes a pair of front and rear
first frame plates 31 and an intermediate-tray main body 32 (see
FIG. 5) obliquely disposed between these first frame plates 31. On
the other hand, the detour tray 40 includes a pair of front and
rear second frame plates 41 and a detour-tray main body 42 (see
FIG. 5) disposed in parallel with the intermediate-tray main body
32 between these second frame plates 41.
[0028] A coupling shaft 33 is mounted between the first frame
plates 31 at a specified position of a lower right part of the
intermediate tray 30. The detour tray 40 is rotatable in forward
and reverse directions about the coupling shaft 33 by the coupling
shaft 33 penetrating the bottom ends of the second frame plates 41.
The detour-tray main body 42 is displaceable between a closing
posture S1 shown in FIG. 2 where the intermediate-tray main body 32
is closed and an opening posture S2 shown in FIG. 3 where the
intermediate-tray main body 32 is opened.
[0029] A storage space V1 in the form of a specified clearance for
storing sheets P is defined between the intermediate-tray main body
32 and detour-tray main body 42. Stapling is applied to the bunch
of sheets P1 formed by successively feeding a specified number of
sheets P into this storage space V1.
[0030] Upon an occurrence of a paper jam in the storage space V1 of
the staple tray 20, the staple tray 20 is withdrawn from the
accommodation space V of the post-processing apparatus 10 (see FIG.
2), and the detour tray 40 is manually displaced from the closing
posture S1 (see FIG. 2) to the opening posture S2 (see FIG. 3) by
an operator in this state. Since the jammed sheet P is thus exposed
to the outside, the operator can easily remove the jammed sheet
P.
[0031] In this embodiment, the staple tray 20 is insertable into
and withdrawable from the accommodation space V of the
post-processing apparatus 10 by being guided by a pair of left and
right guiding members 34 disposed slightly below a vertical middle
part of the intermediate tray 30. Each guiding member 34 is
comprised of a fixed rail 341 fixed to the inner surface of the
right plate member 112 or the left plate member and extending in
forward and backward directions, a movable rail 342 fixed to the
intermediate tray 30 in such a manner as to face the fixed rail
341, and a retainer 343 arranged between the fixed rail 341 and the
movable rail 342.
[0032] With such guiding members 34, the movable rails 342 are
moved in forward and reverse directions while being guided along
the fixed rails 341 via the retainers 343 moving between the fixing
rails 341 and the movable rails 342 by inserting and withdrawing
the intermediate tray 30 into and from the accommodation space V of
the post-processing apparatus 10. Thus, the intermediate tray 30 is
smoothly withdrawn from or inserted inserted into the accommodating
space V.
[0033] A grip band 311 made of a flexible material such as a
synthetic resin sheet is provided at a specified position of the
front first frame plate 31. The operator can withdraw the staple
tray 20 (see FIG. 1) accommodated in the accommodation space V to
the outside by holding and pulling this grip band 311 forward (see
FIG. 2).
[0034] Next, the internal construction of the post-processing
apparatus 10 is described. FIG. 4 is a front view in section
showing one embodiment of the internal construction of the
post-processing apparatus 10 according to the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 4, sheet conveyance paths R for conveying the sheet P
fed from the image forming apparatus 19 to the respective locations
depending on the purpose are formed in the post-processing
apparatus 10.
[0035] The sheet conveyance paths R include the entrance conveyance
path R1 extending leftward from the sheet receiving opening 13 of
the post-processing apparatus 10 to a substantially transverse
middle position of the post-processing apparatus 10, an
auxiliary-tray conveyance path R2 branched off from the downstream
end of the entrance conveyance path R1 and extending toward the
auxiliary tray 15, a storage-space conveyance path R3 branched off
from the downstream end of the entrance conveyance path R1 and
extending toward the storage space V1 of the staple tray 20, and a
main-tray conveyance path R4 extending toward the R4 extending
toward the main tray 14 from the upper end of the storage space
V1.
[0036] The punch unit 16 is disposed at the position above the
entrance conveyance path R1. The sheet P introduced into the
entrance conveyance path R1 through the sheet receiving opening 13
is temporarily stopped and has binding holes punched at specified
positions through punching by driving the punch unit 16.
[0037] A switching guide 17 for switching a conveyance end of the
sheet P between the auxiliary-tray conveyance path R2 and the
storage-space conveyance path R3 is disposed at the downstream end
of the entrance conveyance path R1. If no stapling is applied to
the sheet P, the sheet P is discharged onto the auxiliary tray 15
via the auxiliary-tray conveyance path R2 with the switching guide
17 set in a specified posture. On the other hand, if stapling is to
be applied to the sheet P, the sheet P is fed to the staple tray 20
via the storage-space conveyance path R3 by changing the posture of
the switching guide 17. When a specified number of sheets P are
stored in the storage space V1 to form a bunch of sheets P1,
stapling is applied to this bunch of sheets P1. The stapled bunch
of sheets P1 is discharged onto the main tray 14 via the main-tray
conveyance path R4.
[0038] Hereinafter, the schematic construction of the staple tray
20 is described with reference to FIG. 5 and, if necessary, also to
FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 4 showing
the schematic construction of the staple tray 20. As shown in FIG.
5, a motor 35 for a belt is disposed at specified positions of a
pair of front and rear first frame plates 31 (facing in a direction
normal to the plane of FIG. 5) of the intermediate tray 30 as a
component of the staple tray 20 such that a drive shaft 351 extends
in forward and backward directions. A drive roller 352 is so
mounted on the drive shaft 351 as to be rotatable together. Driven
rollers 353 whose driven shafts are mounted between the pair of
first frame plates 31 are disposed at an upper end position, a
bottom end position and specified positions of the
intermediate-tray main body 32. An endless belt 36 for moving the
staple tray 20 upward and downward is mounted on the drive roller
352 and the respective driven rollers 353.
[0039] A sheet receiving member 37 L-shaped in front view is
provided on the front surface of the endless belt 36 to receive the
bunch of sheets P1 in the storage space V1 and move it upward and
downward. An unillustrated stapler for applying stapling to the
bunch of sheets P1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the
bottom end of the intermediate-tray main body 32. This stapler
applies stapling to this bunch of sheets P1 with the bunch of
sheets P1 supported on the sheet receiving member 37 located at the
bottom end of the intermediate-tray main body 32.
[0040] The bunch of sheets P1 stapled on the sheet receiving member
37 at the bottom end of the intermediate-tray main body 32 is moved
upward in the storage space V1 by an upward movement of the sheet
receiving member 37 caused by the counterclockwise circulating
movement of the endless belt 36 via the drive roller 352 and the
driven rollers 353 by driving the motor 35. Thereafter, the bunch
of sheets P1 is discharged onto the main tray 14 via the main-tray
conveyance path R4. After the bunch of sheets P1 is discharged, the
sheet receiving member 37 is returned to a predetermined position
in the storage space V1 to receive the next sheet P by driving the
motor 35 in reverse direction.
[0041] It should be noted that unillustrated alignment means is
provided in the intermediate tray 30. This alignment means aligns
the bunch of sheets P1 by aligning the bunch of sheets P1
introduced into the storage space V1 and the supported on the sheet
receiving member 37 with respect to width direction. The detail of
this alignment means is not described.
[0042] The detour tray 40 includes a detour-tray main body 42, a
cover plate 43, a directing guide 44, a pressing member 45 and a
pair of valve rollers 46. The detour-tray main body 42 is mounted
between a pair of second frame plates 41 while being opposed to the
intermediate-tray main body 32, and defines the storage space V1 in
cooperation with the intermediate-tray main body 32 while being set
in the closing posture S1. The cover plate 43 is so mounted between
the second frame plates 41 as to face the upper surface of the
detour-tray main body 42. The directing guide 44 is disposed at a
position slightly above the upper end of the cover plate 43 to
direct the sheet P conveyed from the entrance conveyance path R1 to
the storage space V1 or to a standby space V2. The pressing member
45 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end position of the
cover plate 43 to press the sheet P conveyed from the entrance
conveyance path R1 toward the directing guide 44. The pair of valve
rollers 46 convey the sheet P downward by being driven while
temporarily storing the sheets P fed to the standby space V2 from
the entrance conveyance path R1.
[0043] The length of the detour-tray main body 42 is set to be
shorter so that the bottom end thereof is located substantially in
the vertical center of the intermediate-tray main body 32, whereas
the length of the cover plate 43 is set to be longer so that the
bottom end thereof is located at a position slightly above the
coupling shaft 33. By setting these lengths in this way, the sheet
P conveyed downward from the standby space V2 by driving the pair
of valve rollers 46 is guided to a lower side of the cover plate 43
to be securely received by the sheet receiving member 37.
[0044] A pair of receiving rollers 131 for receiving the sheet P
from the sheet receiving opening 13 are disposed at the upstream
end of the entrance conveyance path R1, whereas a pair of feed
rollers 132 for feeding the sheet P to a downstream side are
disposed at the downstream end thereof. The sheet P is fed by the
feed rollers 132 to either the auxiliary-tray conveyance path R2 or
the storage-space conveyance path R3 depending on the set posture
of the switching guide 17.
[0045] In FIG. 5, a state of the switching guide 17 set to such a
posture as to direct the sheet P to the storage-space conveyance
path R3 is shown in solid line, whereas a state of the switching
guide 17 set to such a posture as to direct the sheet P to the
auxiliary-tray conveyance path R2 is shown in chain double-dashed
line.
[0046] A pair of introducing rollers 133 are disposed at the
downstream end of the storage-space conveyance path R3. These
introducing rollers 133 are disposed to face the upper part of the
detour-tray main body 42, thereby introducing the sheet P from the
entrance conveyance path R1 to the upper part of the staple tray
20.
[0047] The length of the detour-tray main body 42 is set such that
the upper edge thereof is located at a position substantially right
below the introducing rollers 133 via the directing guide 44 and
the bottom edge thereof is located substantially in the vertical
center of the intermediate-tray main body 32. On the other hand,
the cover plate 43 is dimensioned and shaped such that the upper
edge thereof is substantially at the same height as the upper edge
of the detour-detour-tray main body 42, the bottom edge thereof is
located at a position lower than that of the detour-tray main body
42, and the sheet P can be introduced onto the intermediate-tray
main body 32. The standby space V2 for keeping the detoured sheet P
temporarily waited on standby is defined at a position above the
pair of valve rollers 46 between the detour-tray main body 42 and
the cover plate 43.
[0048] The directing guide 44 has the bottom end thereof rotatably
supported on a first mounting shaft 441 extending between the pair
of second frame plates 41 and is displaceable between a direct
posture T1 shown in solid line in FIG. 5 and a detour posture T2
shown in chain double-dashed line in FIG. 5. Accordingly, with the
directing guide 44 set in the direct posture T1, the sheet P fed
from the pair of introducing rollers 133 to the directing guide 44
is directed to the storage space V1 while being guided by the left
surface of the directing guide 44. On the other hand, with the
directing guide 44 set in the detour posture T2, the sheet P fed
from the pair of introducing rollers 133 to the directing guide 44
is directed to the standby space V2 while being guided by the right
surface of the directing guide 44.
[0049] The pressing member 45 is for preventing an occurrence of
such a problem as to disorder page numbers caused by a succeeding
sheet P slipping under a preceding sheet P in the case where the
succeeding sheet P is supplied to be superimposed on on the sheet P
already kept on standby in the standby space V2 with the directing
guide 44 set in the detour posture T2. The pressing member 45 is
constructed such that the succeeding sheet P can be introduced into
the standby space V2 after the sheet P already kept on standby in
the standby space V2 is lightly pressed toward the pressing member
45. In this way, an occurrence of a page number disorder in the
standby space V2 can be prevented.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the
pressing member 45. As shown in FIG. 6, the pressing member 45 is
formed by bending a metal bar having a specified diameter in
U-shape, and includes a pair of arm portions 451, a pressing
portion 452 extending between the leading ends of the arm portions
451, and a pair of shaft portions 453 projecting in opposite
directions from the respective base ends of the arm portions 451.
The respective shaft portions 453 are supported on the second frame
plates 41 at positions near the upper edge of the cover plate 43 by
being caused to penetrate the second frame plates 41. Thus, the
pressing member 45 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions
about the shaft portions 453.
[0051] The pressing member 45 is rotated in forward and reverse
directions about the shaft portions 453 by driving one shaft
portion 453 by means of a specified actuator 454 having, for
example, a solenoid built therein. By this rotation, the pressing
member 45 is displaceable between an opening posture U1 (shown in
solid line in FIG. 6) in which the pressing portion 452 is
distanced from the directing guide 44 and a pressing posture U2
(shown in chain double-dashed line in FIG. 6) in which the pressing
portion 452 presses the sheet P toward the directing guide 44.
[0052] The pressing member 45 is set in the opening posture U1 when
the first sheet P is introduced into the standby space V2. After
the first sheet P is introduced into the standby space V2, the
pressing member 45 is rotated about the shaft portions 453 in
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 6 to bring the pressing portion
452 toward the front surface of the directing guide 44, thereby
being set to the pressing posture U2 to press the first sheet P
already supplied onto the detour-tray main body 42. Accordingly,
the second sheet P subsequently supplied toward the detour-tray
main body 42 next passes between the pair of arm portions 451. This
can securely prevent the second sheet P from slipping under the
first sheet P already present on the directing guide 44.
[0053] When the third sheet P is subsequently introduced into the
standby space V2, the preceding two sheets P are temporarily
lowered by driving the pair of valve rollers 46 to separate the
second sheet P from the pressing portion 452, and are moved upward
beyond the pressing portion 452 by driving the pair of valve
rollers 46 in reverse direction after the pressing member 45 is
returned to the opening posture U1 by being driven by the actuator
454 in this state. After the two sheets P moved upward are pressed
by the pressing portion 452, the third sheet P is introduced to the
standby space V2 while passing between the pair of arm portions
451. This can securely prevent such a page number disorder that the
third sheet P slips under the preceding two sheets P or thrusts
itself between the preceding two sheets P.
[0054] Thereafter, every time a succeeding sheet P is introduced
into the standby space V2, the elevating and lowering movements of
the sheet(s) P already stored in the standby space V2 and the
change of the posture of the pressing member 45 are repeated while
being synchronized as described above. In this way, a specified
number of sheets P free from the page number disorder are kept on
standby in the standby space V2 until stapling to the preceding
bunch of sheets P1 is completed. Upon the completion of stapling to
the preceding bunch of sheets P1, the bunch of sheets P1 kept on
standby in the standby space V2 is introduced into the storage
space V1 by driving the pair of valve rollers 46 to be stapled.
[0055] In this embodiment, the sheets P introduced into the storage
space V1 by way of the detour space V2 are sheets of A4 or B5 size
longitudinally conveyed (such a way of conveyance that the edges of
the sheets P along the shorter sides are in parallel with a
conveying direction). Contrary to this, sheets P of A4, B5, A3 and
B4 sizes laterally conveyed (such a way of conveyance conveyance
that the edges of the sheets P along the longer sides are in
parallel with the conveying direction) are directly introduced into
the storage space V1 without by way of the standby space V2 by
setting the directing guide 44 to the direct posture T1.
[0056] As described in detail above, the post-processing apparatus
10 according to this embodiment is for discharging the sheets P
supplied from the image forming apparatus 19 after applying a
specified post-processing, and the staple tray 20 comprised of the
intermediate tray 30 for applying the specified post-processing to
the bunch of sheets P1 and discharging it after a specified number
of sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 19 are stored
one over another, and the detour tray 40 for directing the sheets P
supplied from the image forming apparatus 19 toward the
intermediate tray 30 after detouring the sheets P is provided in
the post-processing apparatus 10. The staple tray 20 is constructed
to be insertable into and withdrawable from the post-processing
apparatus 10 along the sheet width direction intersecting with the
sheet conveying direction.
[0057] With such a construction, the sheet P supplied from the
image forming apparatus 19 to the post-processing apparatus 10 is
fed to the intermediate tray 30 directly or by way of the detour
tray 40, and a specified number of sheets p are stored one over
another in the intermediate tray 30. The specified
post-post-processing is applied to the bunch of sheets P1 formed by
this storage and then the processed bunch of sheets P1 is
discharged to the outside.
[0058] In this way, the sheets P fed to the intermediate tray 30 in
order to apply the specified post-processing to the bunch of sheets
P1 stored in the intermediate tray 30 are fed to the intermediate
tray 30 directly or by way of the detour tray 40. Thus, the volume
of the post-processing apparatus 10 can be reduced as compared to a
conventional case where a large standby drum is disposed at an
upper position in the post-processing apparatus 10 and sheets P are
fed to the intermediate tray 30 after being kept on standby on the
outer circumferential surface of this standby drum. This can
contribute to making the post-processing apparatus smaller.
[0059] The intermediate tray 30 and the detour tray 40 are
integrally insertable into and withdrawable from the
post-processing apparatus 10. Thus, the respective trays can be
more easily withdrawn as compared to a case where the intermediate
tray 30 and the detour tray 40 are individually withdrawn.
[0060] Further, the detour tray 40 is openable and closable
relative to the intermediate tray 30 in a state withdrawn from the
post-processing apparatus 10. Thus, both the upper side of the
intermediate tray 30 and the bottom side of the detour tray 40 can
be exposed to the outside by opening the detour tray 40 withdrawn
by withdrawing the intermediate tray 30 from the post-processing
apparatus 10. Therefore, an operator can more easily solve a
problem of a paper jam.
[0061] Furthermore, the detour tray 40 is constructed to be able to
temporarily store a specified number of sheets P supplied from the
image forming apparatus 19 before feeding the sheets P to the
intermediate tray 30. Thus, conveyance intervals of the sheets P
fed from the image forming apparatus can be kept constant by
supplying the sheets P kept on standby to the intermediate tray 30
after the stapled bunch of sheets P1 is discharged. This can make
the image forming operation including the post-processing more
efficient.
[0062] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing
embodiment and also embraces the following contents.
[0063] In the foregoing embodiment, the pressing member 45 is
disposed at the upper position of the standby space V2 to prevent
the page number disorder of the sheets P. However, the page number
disorder in the standby space V2 can also be prevented without
particularly providing the pressing member 45 by suitably setting
the position where the sheet P is directed from the auxiliary-tray
conveyance path R2 toward the standby space V2 (specifically, the
succeeding sheet P is fed toward a substantially vertical middle
part of the sheet P already present in the standby space V2, for
example, by suitably setting the positions of the pair of
introducing rollers 133).
[0064] It should be noted that the foregoing specific embodiment
mainly embraces the invention having the following
construction.
[0065] A post-processing apparatus according to one aspect of the
present invention is for applying a specified post-processing to
sheets supplied from an image forming apparatus, and comprises a
first tray for applying the specified post-processing to a bunch of
sheets after storing a specified number of sheets supplied from the
image forming apparatus one over another, and then discharging the
processed bunch of sheets, and a second tray for directing the
sheets supplied from the image forming apparatus toward the first
tray after detouring the sheets, the first and second trays being
disposed in a specified apparatus main body. The first and second
trays are so constructed as to be integrally insertable into and
withdrawable from the apparatus main body.
[0066] With such a construction, the sheets supplied from the image
forming apparatus to the post-processing apparatus are fed to the
first tray directly or by way of the second tray, and the specified
post-processing is applied to the bunch of sheets formed by storing
a specified number of sheets one over another in the first tray.
The bunch of sheets having the specified post-processing applied
thereto is discharged to the outside thereafter.
[0067] In this way, the sheets to be fed to the first tray to apply
the specified processing to the bunch of sheets stored in the first
tray are fed to the first tray directly or by way of the second
tray. Thus, as compared to a case where a large standby drum is
provided at an upper position in the apparatus main body and sheets
are directed toward the first tray after being detoured on the
outer circumferential surface of the standby drum as before, the
apparatus main body can have a smaller volume, thereby contributing
to making the post-processing apparatus smaller.
[0068] Both first and second trays are constructed to be integrally
insertable into and withdrawable from the apparatus main body along
a sheet width direction intersecting with a sheet conveying
direction. Thus, upon an occurrence of a paper jam in the first or
second tray, both trays can be integrally withdrawn by withdrawing
either one of the first and second trays from the apparatus main
body. Therefore, the respective trays can be more easily withdrawn
as compared to a case where the first and second trays are
individually withdrawn.
[0069] In the above construction, the second tray is preferably
constructed to be openable and closable relative to the first tray
in a state withdrawn from the apparatus main body.
[0070] With such a construction, the respective facing surfaces of
the first and second trays are exposed to the outside by opening
the second tray withdrawn by withdrawing the first tray from the
apparatus main body. Therefore, a jammed sheet can be sheet can be
more easily removed.
[0071] In any one of the above constructions, the second tray is
preferably so constructed as to be able to temporarily store a
specified number of sheets supplied from the image forming
apparatus before directing them toward the first tray and to convey
a plurality of sheets temporarily stored in the second tray in a
superimposed manner toward the first tray after the preceding bunch
of sheets having the post-processing completed therefor is
discharged from the first tray.
[0072] With such a construction, the succeeding sheets can be kept
on standby in the second tray while the preceding bunch of sheets
is temporarily stored and stapled in the first tray. Thus,
conveyance intervals of the sheets from the image forming apparatus
can be kept constant by feeding the sheets kept on standby to the
first tray after the previous bunch of sheets having stapling
completed therefor is discharged, thereby making the image forming
operation including the post-processing more efficient.
[0073] This application is based on patent application No.
2005-215872 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by references.
[0074] As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the
present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the the appended
claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all
changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or
equivalence of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to
embraced by the claims.
* * * * *